Health services led by Aboriginal communities
What are ACCHSs?
Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHSs) are community-run primary health care services. They are governed and led by Aboriginal communities, and provide comprehensive, culturally informed care that supports physical, social, emotional, spiritual.
Talk to us about transitioning to community control
Our role:
AMSANT (Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory) is the peak body for Aboriginal community controlled health services in the NT and a member of NACCHO, the national peak body. AMSANT’s vision is strong members, healthy communities. A key strategic priority is to grow a strong community controlled sector by supporting government-run services to transition to community control over the next decade.
We work to:
- support our members to deliver high-quality, culturally safe, comprehensive primary health care that acts on the social determinants of health.
- represent members’ voices in the Northern Territory and national policy, planning and research.
- strengthen the sector, so communities have the control, resources and voice they need.
What is Community control?
Community control refers to the principle that Aboriginal communities have the right to participate in decision making that affects their lives, such as health and wellbeing. It also refers to the organisational model of Aboriginal community controlled health services that has existed for nearly 50 years. It is acknowledged that community controlled governance of health services is the optimal expression of the right of Aboriginal people to participate in decision making.
Community control means Aboriginal people decide how the service is run—from governance and workforce to programs and priorities.
Remote primary health care transitions to community control are guided by the NT Aboriginal Health Forum’s (NTAHF) pathways to community control policy which supports and further promotes Aboriginal community control in the planning, development and provision of primary health care services. The NTAHF assesses expressions of interest in alignment with the pathways to community control transition criteria, principles for the transition of remote primary health care services and primary health care transitions to Aboriginal community control, approval framework.
A community controlled health service must be:
an incorporated Aboriginal organisation.
- based in the local community.
- governed by locally elected Aboriginal directors.
- non-profit, with all benefits going back into the local community.
- a holistic, culturally safe primary health care provider to the community that controls it.
Transitioning to community control:
In the NT, some remote health clinics are still operated by government or other providers. AMSANT, together with NACCHO and partners, is working toward a future where all Aboriginal primary health care is community controlled.
A community may be ready to explore transition if:
- the community is asking for more say over how health services are run.
- local leaders want stronger governance and decision-making roles.
- there is a clear desire to embed culture and language in every part of the health service.
- the community wants a model that aligns with holistic, community-led care.
A holistic approach:
Aboriginal health is understood as more than the absence of disease—it includes the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community, where each person can reach their full potential. It is a whole-of-life view, connected to land, sea, culture, language, family and community.
Community controlled health services turn this into practice by:
- providing comprehensive primary health care—from GP and chronic disease care to child and family health, mental health, alcohol and other drugs and prevention.
- addressing the social determinants of health such as housing, food security, employment and justice.
- embedding culture, language and local knowledge throughout care.
- employing and developing local Aboriginal workforces and leadership.
Why it works:
Across Australia, ACCHSs have been shown to:
- improve access to primary health care, particularly in remote communities.
- provide culturally safe, trusted care that increases engagement and follow-up.
- deliver better value for money by reducing preventable hospitalisations.
- build local governance, leadership and employment.
How AMSANT can help your journey:
Transition can feel like a big step—but you don’t have to do it alone. Practically, AMSANT can:
- host initial discussions about community control with communities and leaders.
- support readiness discussions and governance planning.
- connect communities with other ACCHSs that have already transitioned.
- help to link into broader NT Aboriginal Health Forum work on transition.
More information is available at https://health.nt.gov.au/professionals/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health/pathways-to-community-control
Ready to talk about community control?
If you’re a community, community organisation, health service or government partner wanting to explore transitioning to community control in the NT, AMSANT can walk alongside you.
Enquire about transitioning to community control
More info here button – https://www.naccho.org.au/